Starting as early as a week before, and continuing up until the morning of your procedure, there are some things you will want to do to prepare.
BE SURE to call us at 256-533-4888 to pre-register for your procedure.
IF YOU provide us with a cell phone number or email address we will contact you about your procedure. You may opt out at anytime.
ENSURE that you have a responsible adult to take you to and from The Surgery Center. You must have someone with you who may act as your agent in the event that it becomes necessary. You will not be able to drive yourself home, even if you stay in our facilities up to 23 hours following your procedure. This person will need to remain at The Surgery Center during your procedure.
MAKE sure you have a list of phone numbers for your important contacts.
MAKE a list of all medications you are currently taking, including dosage, and bring that with you. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements and any allergies or sensitivities in this list.
IF YOU take any herbal supplements, stop taking them at least a week prior to your procedure. This includes doctor recommended supplements, as well as the ones you may be taking on your own.
DOUBLE check to be sure you have your insurance card and driver’s license or other photo ID.
IF YOU will be accompanied by a legal guardian, make sure they have a copy of the Healthcare Power of Attorney.
DOUBLE check your arrival time with your surgeon's office. It is critical that you arrive on time because you must complete your admission paperwork, get some medical testing done, give your medical history and prepare for your surgery. We schedule our suites to be full throughout the day, so please be considerate of other patients by being on time.
You Must Have an Escort.
You will not be able to drive yourself home following your procedure.
BRING the list of all your routine medications with you on the day of your surgery, along with a brush and comb, toothbrush, and any personal items you feel you might need if you are required to stay.
If for any reason you cannot keep your appointment,
please notify us as far in advance as possible by calling 256-533-4888.
Prior to arriving at The Surgery Center, you will have had a visit with your physician. He or she will have given you specific instructions on what you need to do to prepare your body for your day at The Surgery Center. Follow those instructions to the letter.
When you arrive, one of the first questions we will ask you is, “Have you drank or eaten anything since last night?” If you have, or if you have failed to follow any of your doctor’s orders, we will not be able to perform your procedure and you will have to go home. Common pre-surgical orders include the following:
DO NOT eat or drink anything (including gum, mints, coffee and water) after 11:00pm the evening prior to your surgery. Even a small amount of water on your stomach could complicate your surgery.
IF YOU smoke, or use any other tobacco products, refrain from doing so after 11:00pm the evening prior to your surgery. Smoking can cause bronchial irritation and the chance of breathing problems while you are under anesthesia.
Do Not Eat, Drink or Smoke after 11:00pm the evening before your procedure.
ON THE morning of your surgery or procedure, take a bath or shower and remove all makeup, nail polish and jewelry.
IF YOU are having General, Plastics or Orthopedic Surgery, wash the operative area with Dial® Antibacterial soap before your surgery. Take a shower or bath the night before and once again the morning of your surgery. Wash with the Dial® Antibacterial soap, paying close attention to the area of your body that will be operated on, if applicable. Use a fresh towel after each shower and put on clean clothing to minimize the risk of reintroducing germs to your skin.
LEAVE all your valuables at home, including your watch and any rings or earrings, including wedding or commitment rings.
DRESS comfortably and casually in loose clothing and comfortable shoes that you can slip onto your feet. Many people complain of being cold, so wear warm socks.
ROUTINE oral medications should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions. If you do take any medications, be sure and do so with the smallest amount of water possible.
IF YOU take insulin, aspirin, Coumadin® or other blood thinners, or any appetite suppressants, you need to make certain that your surgeon is aware of them. You may need to follow special instructions prior to your procedure if you take any one of these medications.
IF YOU are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, notify your physician and The Surgery Center immediately. Anesthesia and any other medications may be harmful to a developing fetus. As part of routine pre-surgical testing all women will be asked to give a urine sample for a pregnancy test unless they are surgically- or 2-years-post menopausal.
IF YOU have any changes in your health, report them to your surgeon. Even minor changes such as a scratchy throat, cough, cold or fever may be important information to share.
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